The World without Weapons, Pablo Picasso
"...the Iraq Study Group advised Bush to open direct talks with Iran. Members of both parties in Congress have publicly given similar advice, as have former secretary of state Colin Powell and Robert Gates, the new defense secretary. Still, it would be naive to think that either a wall of opposition or the possibility of dire consequences would necessarily deter this president." -Craig Unger, Vanity Fair, March 2007
For Sunday Scribblings, I'm puzzled...
Where is the outrage??!! Why aren't more Americans protesting as the Bush administration draws closer to attacking Iran? The Incredible Hawk Dick Cheney is becoming increasingly vocal about the matter, strongly hinting Friday of impatience with Iran's provocative government. At a press conference with Australian Prime Minister John Howard - himself a hawk and Bush ally - Cheney told reporters that "all options are on the table," vis a vis how the US would respond to Iran. "They have made some fairly inflammatory statements," Cheney said. "They appear to be pursuing the development of nuclear weapons."
Sound familiar? Isn't this the same sort of rhetoric he and his cronies used to justify going to war against Iraq? Cheney expressed concern at Iran's "fairly aggressive" role in the Middle East and its flouting a United Nations deadline to stop uranium enrichment.
While the Democratic-controlled Congress has warned President Bush he doesn't have the authority to attack Iran - see my article Hear those sabers rattling - it wouldn't be the first time the Bush administration has considered itself above the law. Look at the illegal wiretapping of American telephones and emails without court orders, the massive corruption and waste in awarding Iraqi rebuilding contracts and violating international law and human rights of 430 prisoners currently held in Guantanamo Bay, some for as much as four years.
On June 29, 2006 the US Supreme Court struck down military tribunals, declaring them illegal under US law, the Geneva Conventions and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In Hamdan v. Rumsfeld the court ruled that the Bush administration established the tribunals without congressional authorization and violated international law. But Bush and the previous Republican-led Congress got around that in October by signing the Military Commissions Act of 2006, creating a new system of interrogating and prosecuting terrorism suspects. Most worryingly, the act denies prisoners at Guantanamo their right to file writs of habeas corpus, a principle demanding judicial inquiry into the legality of detention.
The principle of habeas corpus dates prior to the Magna Carta. Ulysses S. Grant was the last president to suspend habeas corpus on Oct. 17, 1871, 135 years to the day before Bush would do the same. Grant signed his order two weeks after the Confederate attack on the Union garrison at Fort Sumter. He had sent federal troops to South Carolina to stop attacks by the Ku Klux Klan against newly-emancipated black citizens. As guaranteed in the Constitution, habeas corpus "shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it."
Since the previous Republican-led Congress flounted the Supreme Court decision by scripting new rules for Guantanamo Bay, the right of habeas corpus for non-citizens is denied. The act also redefines the term "enemy combatant."
Propaganda campaign
I'm puzzled why the Bush administration - which has thrown billions of American tax dollars into the black hole of Iraq - has been allowed to spend a projected $85 million in tax dollars spreading a disinformation propaganda campaign about Iran, as well as supporting Iranian dissidents? And who's spearheading this anti-Iran campaign designed to muddy the waters? Why none other than Dick Cheney's daughter Elizabeth!
Education
As billions of tax dollars are wasted or squandered on the Bush administation's dubious aims, massive cuts in American education funding and school programs are underway. Education is the single most important element if America expects to maintain economic power and influence in the world. Many of the world's citizens speak at least two languages. China and India are set to surpass the US in economic growth in less than 20 years. Unless the American work force is educated to meet such global challenges, the US cannot expect to maintain its competitive edge.
Just imagine how our nation's schools could be improved with the $85 million spent for the anti-Iran propaganda campaign!
Meanwhile, permanent UN Security Council members and Germany will meet Monday to discuss further sanctions against Iran, following its decision to ignore last Thursday's deadline.
Information compiled from magazine and newspaper reports
thank you for this post. i'm always amazed by your insights. you have the guts to say what we're all thinking!
Posted by: jenica | 01 March 2007 at 07:57
Wow - sounds like I am going to be a little outnumbered with a more conservation background here but please don't pounce too quickly - there is probably more in common here than you think.
I (and most conservatives that I know) don't care for our president (Bush) either.
Our schools are pitiful, the media is owned by about 4 or 5 people or groups here thus controlling EVERYTHING we see (in this house we opt out of having cable and stick with radio)- and we are being dumbed down and over- medicated into a culture of complete idiots run by a bunch of out of touch elitists.
However...
I always wondered why on posts like this the racist, hateful comments and actions of people like Ahmedida-nut-job are NEVER mentioned.
True - Bush is out of control but why not also mention things like this "leader" of Iran wanting Israel blown off the face of the earth?
Or better yet, since I think we are mostly girls here- what about the HORRIBLE things done to women in the country of Iran approved by it's leader?
WHERE is the leftist and feminist and human right's outrage??? There are worse things being done around the world to people than what happens at Gitmo!
This is a man who approves women (accused of adultery for example) being buried to their neck or waist and then stoned to death. It's not just approval either, it IS happening - amongst other disgusting this happening to women under his leadership.
I don't want to go to war with them either but he's NOT exactly the kind of person I want to have nuclear technology.
Good reading at Iranfocus.com and jihadwatch.com for a little more perspective as to what we would be fighting against.
There is evil on both sides. I think it's worth mentioning if we are going to truly fight it in the world.
Posted by: parisiennefarmgirl | 27 February 2007 at 23:03
There are some truly frightening things going on in our country's administration with politicians following either the interests of big business or their own agendas, and ignoring the wishes of the citizens. There's so much that's not right, that it's overwhelming. But thank you for reminding us to keep letting our leaders know what we're unhappy about. If we keep writing and voting our conscience, hopefully someone will finally listen.
Posted by: tinker | 26 February 2007 at 23:17
Well stated. I can't believe we aren't more outraged in America. It is insanity.
Posted by: Jone | 26 February 2007 at 15:09
Re Kg's comment about media. I agree. It's only in the last two years that we've had satellite television and I've been able to access the twenty-four hour news channels.
I'm flabbergasted!!**!! that FOX is "considered" a "news" channel, because what I have seen of it, it's partisan, tends to lecture its viewers and is more of a "scandal and gossip channel" than news.
Apart from Channel4 News, 7pm every evening here in the UK - the best news prog. I watch, BBC24, Sky, sometimes CNN, and now I'd recommend AlJazeera International or France24.
I can't believe that Fox News is actually considered a "news channel", I'm gob-smacked! I'd find out more about the real state of the world watching John Stewart's Daily Show!
Posted by: aineliva | 26 February 2007 at 15:01
Sitting here reading your post Tara and the many comments, many Americans, while listening to Mozart's Exaltate Jubilate "Alleluia", the music lifts my spirits, while the content of your post and "Shrubco" (as one commenter humoursly labelled the current US administration - that's a good one)leave me feeling that we are on the slippery slope to more war.
What can we do? Perhaps it's a mistake to hope for "the next President" to turn this around, that's a long time off, and my sense, and not a comfortable one is that Shrubco want to get this "next war" started, leaving it for the next administration to sort out the mess. Or would that be just too cycnical and paranoid of me?
Wendy: I love your daughters slogan, "Go ahead..... and spread your Left-Wing". Let's all spread our Left-Wings, soon.
Posted by: aineliva | 26 February 2007 at 14:43
It seems your president's motto is: "Bend to my will, world, and I will love you."
All this is getting out of hand, isn't it?
Tara responds:
I'm afraid it's been out of hand for a long time now!
Posted by: Rethabile | 26 February 2007 at 11:40
I ask the exact same question here in Britain. Where is the outrage? Why is it that people turn out in their thousands to watch a Big Brother eviction yet can't muster enough energy to even care about what our prime minister is doing.
Thank you for this perspective.
Posted by: waspgoddess | 26 February 2007 at 10:56
It's puzzling, it's mind boggling, we vote for change, but still out-numbered...
Posted by: meredith | 26 February 2007 at 09:35
When is your next election (for a president)?
Tara responds:
The next American presidential election is November, 2008.
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 26 February 2007 at 09:25
Amen sister. Bush and Cheney seem determined to push their agenda no matter what and it puzzles me why no one is talking about it.
Posted by: Michelle | 26 February 2007 at 02:15
Thank you for this, Tara! It is really puzzling and I love your take on the prompt.
Why are Americans not more outraged?
- Corporately controlled media shoving Paris Hilton and Anna Nicole Smith stories down our throats. Where is the REAL news? Children are growing up thinking "info-tainment" is what "news" is.
- Systematic cuts to education over the years depletes a burgeoning democracy. Civics classes are considered "electives" and are expendable, so young people aren't schooled in being participatory citizens.
- Disillusionment with politics and leaders. Most people don't believe they'll be listened to even if they do protest. They certainly won't get legitimate news coverage if they do...maybe bloggers will pay attention!
I could go on and on. Another puzzle is: How to fix all of this and make American citizens participate more?
Posted by: KG | 25 February 2007 at 22:12
WOW, Tara! What passionate thoughts! I usually don't get much into politics because quite frankly, I find the subject angers me more than gives me joy. However, I couldn't help but shake my head in agreement at your post, especially the part about education (which I gave props to you on in my post today ;) ).
Great take on the prompt today. :)
Posted by: Lisa | 25 February 2007 at 21:53
The lack of outrage is beyond mystifying to me. Good grief, 'we' impeached Clinton for a little extramarital sex. But to engage in downright evil, greedy actions seems to not raise the hackles of many in this country. Know what I think it is? There's been no terrorism on our shores since 9/11...and I think a lot of people think that as long as WE'RE 'safe' that they'll just go along with the program. Truly scary thinking.
Posted by: Marilyn | 25 February 2007 at 21:44
This Iran stuff is like deja vu and although I see Iran as a possible threat, I'm praying we don't act without thinking. I always feel more informed when I visit you. XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 25 February 2007 at 21:21
Genuine rhetoric with no answers.
Posted by: gautami | 25 February 2007 at 19:31
One of the other problems I see is the media here in the U.S. we get a completely different spin than those outside of the U.S. Here at home we read the Argentinean papers as well as The Guardian. Sometimes there are enormous findings or analysis that I NEVER see in U.S. news reports!
Posted by: Jeanne | 25 February 2007 at 19:06
Hard to say why we let this happen. With Bush's approval rating in the low-30s, we're looking at a lame duck presidency and the same bad policies we've had in place for the last six years.
Posted by: January | 25 February 2007 at 17:29
Oh Tara it is so puzzling to say the least I am not sure what is going on in our country it is so very scary and sad that our voices are not raised. Complacency is not a nice place to be, and it seems a lot of people are in that state.
Your post is wonderful, I am hopeful many will read it and perhaps take a stand!
XO
Kristen
Posted by: kristen robinson | 25 February 2007 at 16:22
We are being lied to, manipulated, and distracted constantly. That's part of the problem. With another insane war on the horizon, what are all the major media outlets
telling us we should worry about? Britney's
shaved head and Anna Nicole's resting place.
Thanks for a great--and important--post.
Posted by: patry | 25 February 2007 at 16:00
Bush needs stopping, soon. My mother says those in power lack imagination, ie they cannot see how others view their actions.
Also seems a little strange that the only country in the world to have used nuclear weapons in a conflict seems to think it has the right to police other nations with regard to WMD.
Hard to know exactly what Blair's position is on all this, although he seems to want to be in Bush's pocket and has expressed the desire to have US weapons based here this week.
It seems to me that Iran poses a more credible threat than Iraq ever did, but then maybe our media is doing a better job of "preparing" us this time. The fact that it is American, and British, aggression which is fueling the anti-Western sentiment in that part of the world seems lost on the decision makers.
But yes it is puzzling that war and aggression which only perpetuate hatred and more conflict, are valued over dialogue and education which might actually help us build a more peaceful world.
Posted by: Kamsin | 25 February 2007 at 15:41
And I have one more question.....why don't more people in the rest of the work speak up against the American mr. president!
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 25 February 2007 at 14:52
everyday the headlines read... another car bomb...today 35 killed near a bahgdad uni I believe..and now Iran??? I just read something this morning that scared the living hell out of me...Bush is a madman, striking at will...we don't know what his intentions are until it's too late, we're lied to, and yes the pot is getting hot again with Iran...I sit and think WTF???? what can average Americans do to stop this? The next pres has their work cut out for them.
p.s. those little bowls are listed T:)
Posted by: berrie | 25 February 2007 at 14:23
I don't think it's so much that we're apathetic around here--though there is quite a bit of that going on.
No, I think the problem is more that Shrub doesn't care one iota what we--they people who "elected" him--think about his decisions. He's gone through bouts of having some of the lowest approval ratings ever (if not the lowest.) It's pathetic.
Getting ready to go to war with Iran? Well, he didn't tell us what his real intentions in the Middle East were to begin with (Afghanistan and the Taliban? Please. He was out to correct Daddy's monumental eff-up.). Why not throw in some more ridiculousness while he's at it? I've never seen someone more inept.
As for cutting education funding--seems his own pet project "No Child Left Behind" is pointless. Cutting the arts and other things out of the curriculum is doing just that--leaving thousands of children behind. What a joke.
Posted by: Jayne | 25 February 2007 at 13:42
I too have no answers, being a part of the protesters out there. I'm scared, its a puzzle so many can push that away.
GoGo
Posted by: GoGo | 25 February 2007 at 13:36
Here's my .02.
Saddam was a bad guy...most definitely. However, the US government supplied the bad guy with his weapons, with his technology and with the tools to murder those same people he was tried for.
The sentence was carried out based on crimes committed in 1982 - the exact same time when the States were supporting Saddam.
So where is the line drawn? Who is the tyrant here?
Everyone is jumping up and down and singing, ding dong... the bad guy is dead. Meanwhile, the bastard who has pulled the trigger to kill far more Iraqi's than Saddam ever did is sitting in the White House today.
Excellent post!
Posted by: Bohemian mom | 25 February 2007 at 11:08
Tara, what do you mean? You don't think it's a good thing to start wars in every corner of the globe, spend billions of dollars in taxpayer money, have yet more people hate us, and add a zillion more recruits to the terrorist factory we have fueled?
Posted by: Maryam in Marrakech | 25 February 2007 at 10:27
yes, these are puzzling situations...and answers seems distant...
Posted by: Liza | 25 February 2007 at 09:46
You have very useful information on your blog. We all need to be paying attention to what has happened in our country.
Posted by: Princess Haiku | 25 February 2007 at 08:22
As an Australian I am always amused by J.H. sitting in Bush's pocket! I think we have to take a stand on the small things if we want to be heard when taking a stand on the big things. I have to admit, I am one who is outraged at injustices but to this point has done little about it...not a proud confession!
Posted by: nel | 25 February 2007 at 07:59
you know, I actually like John Howard BUT I don't agree with him at all having any troops in Iraq or with his 'friendship' with George Bush... I just don't understand it at all.
Posted by: miss*R | 25 February 2007 at 07:05
I know I feel helpless in this situation- everytime I hear about 30 or 60 or 100 more Iraquis getting blown up or three or five more of our soldiers getting blown up or the horrific situation at Walter Reed- well, I just want to run away from it all. We don't have a voice it seems and no one to speak for us...
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 25 February 2007 at 05:50
Could not have said it better myself. There are plenty of Americans who are outraged. Sadly, our voices are not hard by politicians, and are often muted, marginalized, or silenced by the corporate media.
Posted by: Herb | 25 February 2007 at 03:43
You are so right. We ARE outraged, but why aren't we taking enough of a stand? We keep losing so many of our troops and yet the headlines are mostly of Anna Nicole. They are purposely trying to keep us in the dark and like John Mayer accurately puts it- We just keep on waiting for the world to change.
Posted by: lucy | 24 February 2007 at 23:22
Mr Bush has made it pretty clear he doesn't give a s**t what Americans think any more. Our country has been kidnapped and held hostage, by our own president. Good News though, daughter Rachel, has started a club at her High School...Democrats in Action!!! Their slogan is "Go ahead..and spread your Left Wing" don"t you LOVE it!! Help is on the way.
Tara responds:
Wendy, that's a wonderful thing your daughter is doing. It's so good to hear some teens out there are actually working to change things for the better and make a difference. You must be awfully proud of Rachel!
Posted by: wendy | 24 February 2007 at 23:13
Tara,
They're putting xanax in the municipal water supply. They label it floride and tell us it's for the betterment of our children's health so they'll be fit enough to defend the USA against the evil doers, ie; the rest of the planet who see things differently than this administration. However they take P.E> out of the school curriculum to minimize and tell us it's to help foster a stronger academic system while they reduce funding for academics...Is George Orwell still alive and well.
The situation has become a giant steamroller, crushing every opposing view with money such as welfare, medicare, medicade etc. etc.and saying Uncle Sam will take cae of you. No one who can really wants to solve this puzzle for fear of loosing some entitlement.
We need a reincarnated Alexander the Great to cut this U.S. of A.'s Gordian knot!
Any volunteers?
rel
Posted by: rel | 24 February 2007 at 23:05
I think Americans are apathetic.. Most of them anyway. I realized reading this, I never do anything to speak out..WHY? I used to do sit -ins and carry protest signs regarding the Viet Nam War...Why is it that I, personally don't do anything? I don't KNOW! Because I feel the Government will do what they want anyway..one way or another?! It is food for thought.
Posted by: pam aries | 24 February 2007 at 22:39
There is a 5 million dollar cut to our teeny school system. 5 million dollars taken away from language (as in no more in the elementary schools) and no art class or music. Mind you, my daughter gets art once a week, every other week, alternating weeks is music.
I feel sick with the state of our country and the ability for this administration to believe themselves above the law. They have from the beginning and will to the end. This administration has brought a new level of shame to the US and I don't see how it's gone on this long or how it can be stopped.
Posted by: kristen | 24 February 2007 at 18:42
You speak the absolute truth! Many Americans are angered over Mr. Dub-ya..It is beyone me how he even got re-elected. There is something odd about this entire thing. Keep speaking out Tara. Many of us need a voice and appreciate being heard through your!
On a lighter note, you are not entering the contest. Hopefully it isn't becuz of the post I made about other countries not being eligible. That was their rules, not mine. I did say if someone in another country posted the answer, I would see to it that a drawing would include them for a runner up prize. I would love for that person to be you.
THANK YOU...for your American government comments here. If only I, as one person, could change it. I would like to be proud of my government again, but I'm not right now. I support our troops just because I refuse NOT to support them, because they didn't ASK to be there, because without support they would be totally defeated, mentally to begin with. I don't agree with Dub-ya, but he's IN there now, and I didn't vote for him! Hopefully, the next one will get us back on track.
Posted by: artzyjudie | 24 February 2007 at 18:34
Nicely put. They should make it mandatory for members of Congress to read personal blogs that come up when they do a word search for "Iraq", "war", "Iran", "US" and "terrorist". Dick Cheney... what an apt first name.
Posted by: bonggamom | 24 February 2007 at 18:21
I'm with you 100%! It's important to remind Americans of the expatriate perspective.
Posted by: Colorful Prose | 24 February 2007 at 18:15
that is a wonderful illustration - one I havent seen before.
as for shrubco... who can explain insanity; it is crazy and unexplainable.
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 24 February 2007 at 17:56
It is puzzling Tara and I don't have any answers.
Posted by: Brian | 24 February 2007 at 17:40